Any time someone steps onto a roof, there is risk involved. With the maintenance needed for rooftop mechanical units, building components, and routine jobs such as cleaning drains and gutters, the people completing the tasks are always at risk. Whether the work is performed by in-house personnel or a service contractor, building owners must consider these dangers and the impact they can have on insurance costs and the liability that goes with building ownership or management. With these risks and liability in mind, building owners and their representatives, including architects and specifiers, must take proper steps to ensure safety for everyone who steps foot on the roof. This can be accomplished by specifying hazard warnings for the roof walkways and perimeters using permanent warning strips.
